Lois is resting more comfortably and she is not complaining of as much pain – medication seems to have that under control. She is still sleeping a lot but is a lot more alert when she is awake. After 36 hours of broad spectrum antibiotics, Lois is still spiking temps but not as high as 104 – that alone is a great answer to prayer! Her appetite is slowly coming back but she is still sticking to simple foods. Peter, Joy, and Kari are here with us today.
We have more questions than answers but here is what we are learning from yesterday’s CT Scan:
· The tumors in Lois’ liver have all grown since April 1 when the last scan was done. None of them have grown considerably, but since there are more tumors in the liver than we can count, all of them growing just a little have significantly increased the overall size of the liver.
· Since the liver is growing it is pressing into areas where its meeting resistance which causes fibrosis. The fibrosis has caused some blockage in the ureter – the tube that carries urine from the right kidney to the bladder.
· Some of the medical team thinks the infection causing the fever is from the right kidney which looks somewhat inflamed. There are three options: One is to insert a stint in the ureter which has a fifty percent chance of working. Another is to do a Nephrostomy, an external drain inserted through the back into the kidney and attached to a bag worn on the leg. The third option is to do nothing and see what happens and even though that poses risks that is what we have chosen to do at this point.
· There may be some kind of mass in Lois’ lower abdomen or it might be where some of the liver has actually broken through the sack in which it is normally contained.
· The scan shows a blood clot in the lower right lung in an area where it’s not causing a lot of alarm, although Lois will have daily injections of some form of heparin for the next few months.
We still have a lot of questions: We don’t have any long term plans for continued treatment. We know dehydration was one of Lois’ problems when we went to the ER on Friday night we still don’t know why she was dehydrated. Is there anything we can do to attempt to slow or stop the growth of the tumors?
We will try to keep you up-to-date as we learn and make decisions. We appreciate all of you and especially those who have communicated over the past 24 hours that you are praying for Lois and the whole family. We are certain that God worked and will continue to do so.
Dear Jim, Lois, Joy, Peter, and Kari,
We are praying for all of you on an ongoing basis. Your testimony, perseverance, and unrelenting focus on God has been beautiful to observe. We know this is a hard time on all of you.
Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with you all,
Virginia and Doug Webster
Dear ones,
We just got back from small group and prayer time for you each. Your updates direct our prayers and knit us together in spite of geographic distance. These hymns, among others, are ones I’ve been playing since talking with you yesterday because it’s also a way of praying: “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” and “Have Thine Own Way Lord”.
We love you,
Kathy and Tim
To all of you,
I just read this update and am thinking a lot about all of you. Thanks for keeping us informed. I pray that you will know the presence of God in a tangible way as you walk through this difficult time. I pray that Lois will receive healing all through her body and be set free from all disease. I pray for peace, strength and comfort for all of your family. It takes lots of energy to fight the good fight. We will continue to lift you up in prayer to our Lord God.
With the Love of Jesus,
Marsha Willhoit
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Dear Friends,
You are in our prayers constantly as you have been during the last 11 months. When asked who would you consider a Godly family, you at the top of the list. Your lives are a testimony to the goodness of the Lord. May He continue to bless you all.
Love, Pam and Eich
We are and will be praying! May the Lord direct your every move! Lots of love to you all, we are here and will be if ever you need us…..I wish Lois comfort and peace and rest and peace to all. Hugs and more hugs.
she is on our minds, in our hearts, and in our prayers. the mo. bethel christian union church. God blessings. rev gregory carroll
this is from the little girl that lived next door to you so many years ago. i think of you guys often. all my thoughts and prayers are with you guys.i am so glad joy found me. i have looked for you guys often. i know god will get you through this hard time. i always think back to the time when i lived next to you guys. lois was always so kind and gentle. she made the best lunches! i love and miss you guys lots.
We love you both, and we’re praying that God will be with you and help you to enjoy the beautiful weather God is sending us. I know all your flowers much be coming us and soon will be declaring God’s glory. You are in our hearts, and we lift you up to God each day.
Blessings,
Shirley & Emma
Hello Dear Friends, Just read your updates and wanted you to know that you continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. My heart is so heavy and then I remember what Clarice said to me a long time ago-God gives us grace when we NEED it. He has lavished it upon you for such a long time and I know He will be faithful to continue to give you the strength you need for each minute. Your attitude through all of this has been an unbelievable testimony to me. I love you all, Carol
We are praying for your family and God’s perfect leading. My sermon yesterday was “When we have more questions than answers”. Looked at the book of Habakkuk.
The I Peter 5:6-11 passage you sent is very encouraging (I fwd it to a friend) and your expressions of physical and mental dealings over the past few days are testimony to your total reliance on God. You inspire me to keep praying…for God is our protector and He is in control. Praying this is a good day for your family. Debbie Lanzen